US Coast Guard Halt Search for Survivors of Massachusetts Fishing Boat Sinking
A search-and-rescue operation off the coast of Massachusetts has been suspended after a commercial fishing vessel, the 72-foot Lily Jean, sank to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in the loss of seven lives. The vessel was traveling back to Gloucester, the US's oldest fishing port, with its captain and crew on board.
The Coast Guard launched a massive operation early Friday morning, deploying aircraft, cutters, and small boats over 1,000 square miles in an attempt to locate any surviving crew members. However, after consulting with search-and-rescue mission coordinators and on-scene commanders, officials determined that all reasonable efforts had been exhausted.
The Lily Jean was not equipped with a Mayday call system, but its automatic distress beacon was activated when it hit the water, triggering the Coast Guard's response. The vessel was carrying a fishery observer, whose role is to collect data onboard fishing boats for government use in informing regulations.
As news of the tragedy spread, officials and residents of Gloucester expressed shock and sadness at the loss of seven lives. Senator Bruce Tarr, a friend of the captain, described him as "a person that has a big smile" who was highly skilled in his profession. Governor Maura Healey also released a statement expressing her heartbreak over the tragedy, highlighting the importance of fishing vessels to the state's history, economy, and culture.
Commercial fishing is one of the most hazardous occupations worldwide, with high waves, frigid temperatures, and unpredictable weather making it particularly challenging during the winter months. The US's oldest seaport has experienced its fair share of maritime tragedies in the past, including the infamous FV Andrea Gail, which sank at sea in 1991.
The Coast Guard's decision to suspend the search operation marks a somber end to an extensive rescue effort that left no stone unturned. As the community comes to terms with this devastating loss, officials are urging everyone to exercise extreme caution when venturing out onto the high seas during the winter months.
A search-and-rescue operation off the coast of Massachusetts has been suspended after a commercial fishing vessel, the 72-foot Lily Jean, sank to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in the loss of seven lives. The vessel was traveling back to Gloucester, the US's oldest fishing port, with its captain and crew on board.
The Coast Guard launched a massive operation early Friday morning, deploying aircraft, cutters, and small boats over 1,000 square miles in an attempt to locate any surviving crew members. However, after consulting with search-and-rescue mission coordinators and on-scene commanders, officials determined that all reasonable efforts had been exhausted.
The Lily Jean was not equipped with a Mayday call system, but its automatic distress beacon was activated when it hit the water, triggering the Coast Guard's response. The vessel was carrying a fishery observer, whose role is to collect data onboard fishing boats for government use in informing regulations.
As news of the tragedy spread, officials and residents of Gloucester expressed shock and sadness at the loss of seven lives. Senator Bruce Tarr, a friend of the captain, described him as "a person that has a big smile" who was highly skilled in his profession. Governor Maura Healey also released a statement expressing her heartbreak over the tragedy, highlighting the importance of fishing vessels to the state's history, economy, and culture.
Commercial fishing is one of the most hazardous occupations worldwide, with high waves, frigid temperatures, and unpredictable weather making it particularly challenging during the winter months. The US's oldest seaport has experienced its fair share of maritime tragedies in the past, including the infamous FV Andrea Gail, which sank at sea in 1991.
The Coast Guard's decision to suspend the search operation marks a somber end to an extensive rescue effort that left no stone unturned. As the community comes to terms with this devastating loss, officials are urging everyone to exercise extreme caution when venturing out onto the high seas during the winter months.
! I mean, what's a few more hours or days searching for people when you can potentially save lives? It feels like they just threw in the towel 
. And what's with no Mayday call system on that boat? Like, how were they supposed to call for help in an emergency?! 
. Losing 7 lives is absolutely devastating & it's heartbreaking to think those poor guys were on their way home from a long day at sea only to meet such a tragic end 
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. The Coast Guard did everything they could to save those 7 folks, but sometimes even with all our tech & expertise, we just can't save everyone 
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. Let's all take a moment to offer up some respect & solidarity to those affected 
those guys are literally out there in the freezing cold with nothing but their skills and each other for protection 
. I'm so glad that fishery observer was on board collecting data, at least we can learn from this tragedy and make sure something like it never happens again 
. Reminds me of that time I was on a boat trip with my dad back in '02, we got caught in a huge storm and had to take shelter for the night... it was so scary 
. Fishing is such an old profession, been around forever... it's crazy how things have changed (or not) since then 
. And now these guys are saying there shouldn't be any fishing vessels out in those conditions during winter? I'm all for safety, but what about tradition and livelihoods? It's just so... so... 
. Anyway, thoughts and prayers to the families of the lost sailors 
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. On a more serious note, my condolences to the families of the victims. It's just so heartbreaking when it happens to people who are just trying to make a living. The Coast Guard did everything they could, so let's give 'em a break 
which wasn't even a Mayday call system... it's just not right 
. And on top of that, commercial fishing is already such a high-risk job, especially in the winter 
. The Coast Guard did everything they could, but I guess all hope was lost 
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. Anyway, at least Gov Maura Healey is speaking out about the importance of fishing vessels to the state's history and economy... more awareness, please! 
just heard about the 7 people who lost their lives on the Lily Jean... can't believe they won't be coming back to shore... it's always sad when these operations end and no one is found 
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... raise awareness about the risks faced by commercial fishers and push for better regulations 
. It's not just about saving lives, but also about protecting the livelihoods of these workers 
. I'm thinking of organizing a petition or something to bring this issue to the forefront 
. Anyway, I hope the community of Gloucester is getting the support it needs during this tough time 
. gotta give a shoutout to the Coast Guard tho, they did everything they could in such a short time frame 
. and it's crazy how unpredictable the ocean can be, one minute you're cruising along, next minute... 
. hope the people of gloucester take care of themselves during this tough time 
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. Commercial fishing is such a tough and brave profession 
. It's crazy how unpredictable the sea can be, even with all the tech they got now 
. Glad the coast guard did everything they could though, but you just cant find everyone in time sometimes 
